Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...and those of us holding the mascara wand.

After two decades of covering the beauty industry, I've come to learn what makes it so alluring. Finding the perfect shade of makeup to match your skin tone, adding a swipe of eyeliner to give your tired eyes a lift, discovering an innovative new product line, or indulging in a totally luxurious spa treatment. My experiences have been documented in magazines, newspapers and websites worldwide. I've tested newly formulated products in the lab, explored hair removal options, shopped for lipstick, added shine to my hair and succumbed to massage marathons--all in the name of beauty. I've written press releases, hosted makeover events and co-authored a Do-It-Yourself Beauty book (Alloy). On this blog, I write about products and services that I come across every day as well as those that have been provided by publicists or the companies that make them. Either way, I write what I think. I hope to share some of my insights--and bring you the latest, greatest beauty news right here. Join me in the quest to find all things pretty.


Wednesday, March 17, 2010

st. patrick's day beauty: go green


Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day, right? So if you want to get into the holiday spirit, but wouldn't be caught dead in a bright green dress or a shamrock tattoo, here's a more subtle way to celebrate. Try Sue Devitt's Hydrating Marine Minerals Eye Palette in Green Isles ($37.50).

No, it's not a throwback to the seventies--it's the 2010 version of eye shadow chic. With four glamorous shades to help you shade, highlight, line and define, the palette gives you long-lasting eye color and high-impact beauty.

But not only does it make your eyes look alluring, the unique formulation offers extraordinary hydrating and refreshing properties of the sea, designed to increase skin's moisture level and vitality. (Great for eyes that have started to show their age!) It contains Sea Butter, Shea Butter, Ceramide 2 and Hyaluronic Acid in addition to vitamins, minerals and proteins that help skin absorb water from the air while restoring skin's natural elasticity. So it goes on smoothly and stays on till the party's over!

I have always had a passion for green shadow--maybe because it adds life to my naturally green eyes--but have often been afraid to apply it. This palette offers options for the more timid as well as the more daring among us. For more info, go to www.suedevittbeauty.com.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

st. patrick's day beauty: pretty green things

A touch of green can turn a basic manicure into one that really turns heads. For St. Paddy's Day, paint your digits with Sula's Paint & Peel Polish in Fern ($9). The nature-inspired shade gives nails a fresh, clean look and pays homage to the famous shamrocks the holiday is known for. The best part: The one-of-a-kind, water-based formula lets you peel off the polish in one clean sweep--no nail polish remover required! So you can show off your Irish roots on Wednesday and go back to pristine pink the morning after. Check out this and other radiant shades at www.sulabeauty.com and celebrate in style.